Closure device

ABSTRACT

A device for closing an opening in a wall of a body lumen includes a closure element with a first flange and a second flange. Both the first flange and the second flange may have a delivery cross-sectional dimension and a deployed cross-sectional dimension. The device for closing an opening further includes a first coupler element disposed on the first flange and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange, the first and second coupler elements cooperating to couple the first flange to the second flange.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/608,769, filed on Oct. 29, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,676 which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/109,822, filed on Oct. 30, 2008 and entitled “CLOSURE DEVICE,” and Ser. No. 61/143,748, filed on Jan. 9, 2009 and entitled “CLOSURE DEVICE,” all of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to systems, devices, and methods for blocking an opening in body lumens. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to techniques for percutaneous closure of arterial and venous puncture sites, which are usually accessed through a tissue tract.

2. The Relevant Technology

A number of diagnostic and interventional vascular procedures are now performed transluminally. A catheter is introduced to the vascular system at a convenient access location and guided through the vascular system to a target location using established techniques. Such procedures require vascular access, which is usually established during the well-known Seldinger technique. Vascular access is generally provided through an introducer sheath, which is positioned to extend from outside the patient body into the vascular lumen. When vascular access is no longer required, the introducer sheath is removed and bleeding at the puncture site stopped.

One common approach for providing hemostasis (the cessation of bleeding) is to apply external force near and upstream from the puncture site, typically by manual compression. This approach suffers from a number of disadvantages. For example, the manual compression procedure is time consuming, frequently requiring one-half hour or more of compression before hemostasis is achieved. Additionally, such compression techniques rely on clot formation, which can be delayed until anticoagulants used in vascular therapy procedures (such as for heart attacks, stent deployment, non-optimal PTCA results, and the like) wear off. The anticoagulants may take two to four hours to wear off, thereby increasing the time required before completion of the manual compression procedure.

Further, the manual compression procedure is uncomfortable for the patient and frequently requires analgesics to be tolerable. Moreover, the application of excessive pressure can at times totally occlude the underlying blood vessel, resulting in ischemia and/or thrombosis. Following manual compression, the patient typically remains recumbent from four to as much as twelve hours or more under close observation to assure continued hemostasis. During this time, renewed bleeding may occur, resulting in blood loss through the tract, hematoma and/or pseudo-aneurysm formation, as well as arteriovenous fistula formation. These complications may require blood transfusion and/or surgical intervention.

The incidence of complications from the manual compression procedure increases when the size of the introducer sheath grows larger, and/or when the patient is anticoagulated. The compression technique for arterial closure can be risky, and is expensive and onerous to the patient. Although the risk of complications can be reduced by using highly trained individuals, dedicating such personnel to this task is both expensive and inefficient. Nonetheless, as the number and efficacy of translumenally performed diagnostic and interventional vascular procedures increases, the number of patients requiring effective hemostasis for a vascular puncture continues to increase.

To overcome the problems associated with manual compression, the use of bioabsorbable sealing bodies is one example approach that has been proposed. Generally, this example approach relies on the placement of a thrombogenic and bioabsorbable material, such as collagen, at the superficial arterial wall over the puncture site. While potentially effective, this approach suffers from a number of problems. For example, bioabsorbable sealing bodies may lack a solid mechanical attachment of the sealing body to the tissue. Due to the lack of a solid mechanical attachment, the sealing body can wander within the tissue tract or move out of the puncture site, thus causing late bleeds. Conversely, if the sealing body wanders and intrudes too far into the arterial lumen, due to the lack of a solid mechanical attachment, intravascular clots and/or collagen pieces with thrombus attached can form and embolize downstream, causing vascular occlusion.

In addition to not having a solid mechanical attachment to the tissue, the sealing bodies may rely upon expandable materials to achieve hemostasis. Again, the expandable materials lack the security of a hard mechanical closure, thus potentially causing late bleeds and prolonging hemostasis.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for closing an opening in tissue. Embodiments of the disclosure can be configured to close an opening within a body lumen.

In one example embodiment, a device for closing an opening in a wall of a body lumen may include a closure element with a first flange and a second flange. Both the first flange and the second flange have a delivery cross-sectional dimension and a deployed cross-sectional dimension. The device further includes a first coupler element disposed on the first flange and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange, the first and second coupler elements cooperating to couple the first flange to the second flange.

In another example embodiment, a closure element for closing an opening in a body lumen includes a proximal flange with a first coupler element and a distal flange with a second coupler element. The closure element may also include a pull cord that is operatively associated with the distal flange such that the second coupler element may be coupled to the first coupler element by pulling the pull cord.

Another example embodiment includes a closure element that has a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration and is used to close an opening in a wall of a body lumen. The closure element includes a first flange with a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration such that the first flange can pass through the opening in the wall of the body lumen when in the delivery configuration, but not when in the deployed configuration. The closure element further includes a second flange having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the second flange cannot pass through the opening in the wall of the body lumen when in the deployed configuration. Moreover, the closure element may include a coupler portion positioned between the first flange and the second flange, the coupler portion having a cross-sectional dimension substantially equal to or smaller than the opening.

A further embodiment includes a system for closing an opening in a body lumen that includes a closure element, an actuator coupled to the closure element, and a handle assembly. The handle assembly may include a handle element operatively associated with a hub member such that the actuator moves the closure element from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration upon rotation of the handle element.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of closing an opening in tissue that includes inserting a closure device into an opening formed in tissue. Applying a force to the actuator to change the closure element from a first configuration to a second configuration.

These and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a closure element in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate example components of an example embodiment of the closure element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a delivery system and the closure element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is an illustration of the closure element of FIG. 1 partially deployed;

FIG. 5B is an illustration of the closure element of FIG. 1 fully deployed; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example method of closing an opening in tissue in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided closure devices configured to close an opening in tissue. The closure devices described herein may be formed of a bioabsorbable material or may be formed of a biocompatible material. It is further contemplated that the closure device may be coated with a covering membrane and/or another biocompatible coating as will be described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the closure device may be configured to be received within and deployed from the lumen of a medical sheath, for example, a physician may utilize a 6 French sheath. However, it can be understood that embodiments of the closure device may be configured to be received within multiple sizes and configurations of sheaths and should not be limited to the example above and will accommodate newer and yet to be developed endoluminal techniques including venous techniques.

Moving now to FIGS. 1 through 5B, an example closure device pursuant to embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates an example closure element 300. The closure element 300 may include a proximal flange 302 and a distal flange 304. The proximal flange 302 may include a first coupler 306 while the distal flange 304 may include a second coupler 308. In at least one example embodiment, the second coupler 308 may include friction elements 310, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In further embodiments, the first coupler 306 and second coupler 308 may be configured to couple together in any of a variety of configurations, such as by friction, threading, snap-fit, tongue-and-groove, similar coupling configurations, or combinations thereof. In a yet further embodiment, once the second coupler 308 is inserted into the first coupler 306, a pin or other elongate member may be inserted through the second coupler 308 to force the second coupler 308 outward and into more secure contact with the first coupler 306.

Briefly, in operation, the closure element 300 may be inserted into an opening in a body lumen in a delivery configuration. The distal flange 304 may then be deployed within the body lumen and the proximal flange 302 may be deployed outside the body lumen. The proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may then be coupled or otherwise joined together through the opening in the body lumen. In one example, the second coupler 308 is pressed into the first coupler 306 and locked into place with friction elements 310 that allow the second coupler 308 to be pressed into the first coupler 306 but do not allow the second coupler 308 to be released from the first coupler 306.

The closure element 300, illustrated in FIG. 1, may have various characteristics and configurations. For example, one way in which the closure element 300 may vary is the type of material used to make the closure element 300. In one embodiment the closure element 300 may be manufactured from a bioabsorbable, bioresorbable, bioerodible, or biodegradable material. Examples of suitable materials for use are metals, metal alloys, polymers, or combinations thereof that decompose or biodegrade in a biological environment such as within a body lumen. For example, and not by limitation, suitable bioabsorbable materials may include magnesium, zinc, iron, silicon, zinc titanium, magnesium lithium, of colic acid (PGA), polyhydroxybutyric acid, polyL-Lactic acid (PLLA), poly dl-lactic acid (PDLLA), polydilactidel glycolide acid, polydilactid acid, PolyDL Lactide-co-gycolide, Polylactic acid, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid-co-caprolactone, polylactic acid-co-Chitosan, poly-phosphazenes, poly-anhydrides, degradable poly-urethanes, biodegradable poly-carbonates, biodegradable ceramics such as those based on tricalcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite, analogous materials, co-polymers thereof, derivatives thereof, and any combinations thereof.

In addition to the various types of materials that may be used to manufacture the closure element 300, the closure element 300 may include additional material properties that may be useful. For example, the closure element 300 may be covered with a flexible membrane to aid in sealing the opening. The flexible membrane may be formed of a flexible bio-compatible or bioabsorbable material such as any of those that are described above. Moreover, the closure element 300 may further include a beneficial agent either disposed thereon as a coating or integrally formed within the material of the closure element 300. The beneficial agent may be configured to aid in healing and/or reduce the potential for infection.

Moreover, the closure element 300 may include additional elements to help a user place the closure element 300 within a body lumen. For example, the closure component 300 may further include a radiopaque marker or radiopaque coating in order to aid the user in positioning the closure element 100 within the puncture site of the body lumen. The radiopaque marker may be formed within the wall of the body of the first or second flange 302, 304 in the form of a rivet. In a further embodiment, a radiopaque coating may be disposed on the closure element 300 as a thin coating of radiopaque metal such as gold, tantalum, platinum, iridium, similar metals, or combinations thereof. In a yet further embodiment, the radiopaque coating may comprise an iodine contained polymer such as polytyrosine carbonate with iodine.

In addition to material aspects of the closure element 300, the configuration of the closure device 300 may vary from one embodiment to the next. For example, the cross-sectional configuration of the proximal and distal flanges 302 and 304 may vary from one embodiment to the next. In one example embodiment, the proximal and distal flanges 302 and 304 may have a substantially circular or disc-like shape/configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In other examples, the proximal and distal flanges 302 and 304 may have various other shapes or configurations, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any other cross-sectional configuration. Moreover, the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may have differing shapes or configurations. In a yet further embodiment, the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may be rotationally offset with respect to each other.

Just as the shape and configuration of the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may vary, so too may the cross-sectional profile vary from one embodiment to the next. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 have a T-shaped cross-sectional profile with a substantially flat horizontal cross-bar section. In other example embodiments, the cross-bar section may further include ridges or protrusions that may be used to grip tissue and further anchor the closure element 300 within an opening in a body lumen.

Moreover, the second coupler 308 and first coupler 306 may have any configuration for joining or coupling the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 together. For example, in one embodiment, the first coupler 306 and second coupler 308 may couple together through a hook and anchor configuration. In a further embodiment, the first coupler 306 and second coupler 308 may have corresponding internal and external threads and may screw together. In a yet further embodiment, the first coupler 306 and second coupler 308 may have any other configuration that could be used to join or couple the proximal flange 302 to the distal flange 304. Moreover, in other example embodiments, the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may be made from the same piece of material or permanently joined together prior to deployment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isolated view of an example distal flange 304. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the distal flange 304 may have a distal end 304A and a proximal end 304B. Moreover, the distal flange 304 may include a second coupler 308 with a plurality of friction elements 310 located on the second coupler 308. In one example embodiment, the distal flange 304 may further include a pull cord 312. The distal flange 304 may vary from one embodiment to the next. For example, the friction elements 310 may vary from one embodiment to the next. In one example embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the friction elements 310 may be equally spaced and arranged on the second coupler 308. In a further example embodiment, the friction elements 310 may be randomly arranged. Moreover, in other embodiments, there may be only one friction element 310 instead of a plurality of friction elements 310.

Another way in which the friction elements 310 may vary is the type of friction elements 310 used. For example, the friction elements 310 in one example embodiment may be o-ring type structures that are configured to have a tolerance fit with the first coupler 306 of the proximal flange 302. In another example, the friction elements 310 may include teeth or ramps which could be complimentary to teeth or ramps disposed within the first coupler 306, thereby, causing the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 to be locked together.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isolated view of an example of the proximal flange 302. The proximal flange 302 may include a proximal end 302 a, a distal end 302 b and a first coupler 306 that includes a passage 314. The proximal flange 302 may vary from one embodiment to the next. For example, the passage 314 in the first coupler 306 may vary. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the passage 314 may have a constant cross-sectional dimension. In other example embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension of the passage 314 may vary. For example, the cross-sectional dimension may become smaller moving from the distal end 302 b to the proximal end 302 a of the proximal flange 302. In this way, the second coupler 308 on the distal flange 304 may be configured to wedge or otherwise interface with the narrowing passage 314.

The material of the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may vary from one embodiment to the next. The proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may be generally constructed of a flexible biocompatible material, such as a bioabsorbable material. Examples of suitable materials are described in more detail above.

FIGS. 4 through 5B illustrate example embodiments of a closure device 330 that employs the closure element 300. As shown in FIG. 4, the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may be configured such that they are able to collapse, bend, or flex at approximately right angles with respect to the first coupler 306 and second coupler 308 respectively, thus forming a delivery configuration. While in the delivery configuration, the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may be inserted within a delivery tube 316. The delivery tube 316 may have a passage 332 that has a cross-sectional dimension that allows the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 to be inserted within the passage 332. Moreover, the closure device may include a first pusher 318 and a second pusher 320, with the first pusher 318 operatively associated with the distal flange 304, and the second pusher 320 operatively associated with the proximal flange 302.

The configuration of the closure device 330 may vary from one embodiment to the next. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first pusher 318 may be configured to extend through the passage 314 of the proximal flange 302 and interface with or otherwise apply a force to the distal flange 304. The second pusher 320 may be configured with a larger cross-sectional dimension such that it cannot pass through the passage 314 of the proximal flange 302, and thus, the second pusher 320 can interface with or otherwise apply a force to the proximal flange 302.

While positioned within the delivery tube 316, the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may be uncoupled together. When the proximal and distal flanges 302 and 304 are not connected, the first and second pushers 318 and 320 can move the proximal flange 302 and distal flange 304 independent from one another to advance or retract the proximal flange 302 and/or distal flange 304. In further embodiments, the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 may be coupled together during the delivery of the closure element 300 within the opening in the body lumen. When the proximal and distal flanges are coupled together while in the delivery tube 316, a single pusher may be used and there may not be a need for a first and second pusher. For example, the second pusher 320 alone may move and control both the proximal and distal flanges 302 and 304.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example implementation of the closure device 330. In particular, FIG. 5A illustrates the deployed configuration of the distal flange 304 within the body lumen. In order to deploy the distal flange 304, delivery tube 316 is inserted into an opening located in the body lumen wall 322. At that point, the first pusher 318 may apply a force in the distal direction on the distal flange 304. Once the distal flange 304 leaves or exits the delivery tube 316, the distal flange 304 may elastically or otherwise move from the u-shape configuration or delivery configuration into a deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. 5A.

Once deployed, the distal flange 304 may then be attached or coupled to the proximal flange 302, if not already coupled. In one example embodiment, this attachment may occur by way of the pull-cord 312. For example, a user of the closure device 330 may pull the pull-cord 312 in a proximal direction, thus pulling the distal flange 304 relative to and towards the proximal flange 302. In this way, the second coupler 308 located on the distal flange 304 may be pulled into the first coupler 306 located on the proximal flange 302. In further embodiments, the deployment of the closure element 300 could still move forward at this point without having connected the proximal flange 302 to the distal flange 304. In further embodiments, the pull-cord 312 can be coupled to an automated and/or powered tensioning device configured to provide a desired tension to the pull-cord 312. In yet further embodiments, the pull-cord 312 may be sufficiently rigid to transfer both distal and proximal forces to the closure element 300. In additional embodiments, the closure element 300 and any components thereof may be coupled to a closure system configured to deploy the closure element 300 upon manipulation of the closure system by a user.

The spacing between the proximal flange 302 and distal flange 304 is adjustable depending upon the amount of force applied to the distal flange 304 by the pull-cord 312 and depending on the thickness of the body lumen wall where the closure element 300 is being deployed, thereby enabling the closure element 300 to be adjusted for various anatomies. As will be described in greater detail below, a charge of hemostatic material may be disposed proximal to the deployed closure element 300, such as within the tissue tract and/or against the outer surface of the deployed proximal flange 302 and body lumen, to further enhance sealing.

Moving now to FIG. 5B, the proximal flange 302 is shown in a deployed configuration outside of the delivery tube 316. In order for the proximal flange 302 to achieve the deployed configuration, the second pusher 320 may apply a force in the distal direction upon the proximal flange 302. While the second pusher 320 applies a force in the distal direction on the proximal flange 302, the delivery tube 316 may be pulled in the proximal direction such that the proximal flange 302 exits the delivery tube 316. Upon exiting the delivery tube 316, the proximal flange 302 may move elastically or otherwise from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration such that the proximal flange 302 extends outward.

If the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 have not yet been coupled together at this point, then the proximal flange 302 and the distal closure element may be pressed together such that the second coupler 308 located on the distal flange 304 may be pressed into the first coupler 306 located on the proximal flange 302. This may be done by use of a pull-cord 312, the first pusher 318, and/or second pusher 320, as discussed above. Once the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 are coupled together and surround the lumen wall 322, the delivery tube 316 along with the first pusher 318 and second pusher 320 may be removed from the patient, while the closure element 300 remains to at least partially occlude or block the opening in the body lumen wall 322.

The closure device discussed with the various example embodiments of the present invention may include various other configurations. For example, any configuration of the closure device that includes a closure element that is able to anchor on the inside surface of the body lumen wall as well as on the outside surface of the body lumen wall (i.e. sandwich the wall of the body lumen between two portions of the closure element) may be used with the closure device.

As briefly mentioned above, the closure device 330 may include a hemostatic agent. For example, the passage 332 may be at least partially filled with the hemostatic agent in the space between the proximal flange 302 and the distal flange 304 such that as the closure element 300 is deployed, the hemostatic agent may be deployed proximate the opening in the tissue.

The hemostatic agent may be any material that is known to aid in the healing of the body lumen wall as well as to cause the cessation of bleeding. Moreover, the hemostatic agent may contain any material or agent that may be used to avoid infection. Suitable hemostatic materials for any of the embodiments described above may include chitosan, collagen, thrombin, PEG or other biocompatible materials. In one embodiment, chitosan may be utilized. The chitosan hemostatic composition can provide a strong clotting action to seal a hole, puncture, incision, or any other bleeding site to promote enhanced healing of the bleeding site and reduce opportunities for infection. Additionally, the chitosan hemostatic composition can be configured to swell in the presence of blood to form a hemostatic barrier that covers or otherwise plugs the bleeding site and/or aids the hemostasis of the percutaneous tissue tract.

Chitosan is a polycationic polymer derived from chitin, which can also be used as described herein. Chitosan has a positive charge from primary amine groups that can interact with the negative charge of the lipids present on cell surfaces, such as blood cells. This electrostatic interaction has been identified as an aspect of the hemostatic properties of chitosan. Dry chitosan compositions can have increased hemostatic properties by increasing surface area, and thereby the contact area with blood. Processing methods, such as freeze drying, puffing, foaming, sponging, ballooning, combinations thereof, or the like, can be used to provide a porous, open cellular, or closed cellular structure with increased surface area. In addition to chitosan and/or chitin, other polymers having N-acetylglucosamines and N-glucosamines, such as poly-beta-1→4-N-acetylglucosamines with or without one or more monosaccharides being deacetylated and poly-beta-1→4-N-glucosamines, and derivatives thereof.

The chitosan or other similar polymer used in various embodiments of the present invention may be purified to facilitate use in a medical device and or used within the body of a subject. This may include being purified to remove proteins or other organic and/or inorganic contaminants. Such purification and processing of chitosan is well known in the art. Accordingly, the chitosan or other similar polymer can be considered to be biocompatible, immunoneutral, and/or generally recognized as safe for use with or within a subject, such as a human or other animal.

Accordingly, the previous figures and the corresponding text provide a number of different components and systems that may be used to close an opening in a body lumen. In addition to the foregoing, other example embodiments may also be described in terms of flowcharts comprising one or more acts in a method for accomplishing a particular result. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 of closing an opening in tissue. The acts of method 600 are discussed more fully below with respect to the disclosures of FIGS. 1-5.

For example, FIG. 6 shows that a method in accordance with an example implementation of the invention may include inserting 602 a closure device into an opening in a body lumen wall. Inserting a closure device may involve inserting a closure device into an opening formed in tissue, the closure device including a delivery tube, an actuator, and a closure element, the closure element defined by a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a waist. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the closure element 300 may be inserted through the proximal lumen wall 322 or through an introducer that has already been implanted/positioned through the lumen wall.

After the closure device is inserted into an opening, a force may be applied 604 to the actuator to move a first portion of a closure element from a first configuration to a second configuration. Applying a force may involve applying a force to the actuator to move the distal portion of the closure element from a first configuration toward a second configuration, wherein in the second configuration, portions of the closure element protrude from the body. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the pull cord 312 may be moved in a proximal direction (as indicated by the arrow), thus causing the distal flange 304 to change from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration.

Next, a second force may be applied 606 to an actuator to move a second portion of the closure element from a first configuration towards a second configuration. Applying a second force may involve applying a second force to the actuator to move the proximal portion of the closure element from a first configuration toward a second configuration. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the actuator second pusher 320 may be moved in a distal direction, thus causing the proximal flange 302 to change from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration.

After the closure element is fully deployed, the closure device may be disengaged from the closure element and removed from the patient.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. It shall be further understood that although the present disclosure has been described in relation to vessel closure, it is contemplated that the closure component of the present invention may be utilized to close other openings in the body such as PFO openings, or openings formed in organs such as the stomach for certain surgical procedures, and/or for closing fistulae. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of closing an opening in tissue, comprising: inserting a closure device at least partially through an opening formed in tissue, the closure device including a delivery tube, an actuator, and a closure element, the closure element having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, the closure element comprising: a first flange configured to move between the delivery configuration and the deployed configuration, the first flange having a delivery cross-sectional dimension in the delivery configuration and a deployed cross-sectional dimension in the deployed configuration; a second flange configured to move between the delivery configuration and the deployed configuration, the second flange having a delivery cross-sectional dimension in the delivery configuration and a deployed cross-sectional dimension in the deployed configuration; a first coupler element disposed on the first flange extending in a first direction; and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange extending in a second direction, the first direction and the second directions being parallel but opposite, the first flange extending in the second direction in its delivery configuration and the second flange extending in the first direction in its delivery configuration, the first coupler element and the second coupler element configured to couple the first flange to the second flange, the first coupler element and the second coupler element being uncoupled in the delivery configuration, wherein the first coupler element further includes friction elements that resist relative movement between the first coupler element and the second coupler element, wherein the first and second flanges are positioned simultaneously in the delivery tube in the delivery configuration, and wherein the delivery cross-sectional dimension of the first flange is smaller than the deployed cross-sectional dimension of the first flange, the delivery cross-sectional dimension of the second flange is smaller than the deployed cross-sectional dimension of the second flange, and the delivery cross-sectional dimension of the second flange is smaller than the deployed cross-sectional dimension of the second flange, applying a force to the actuator to move the first flange of the closure element from the delivery configuration toward the deployed configuration; applying a second force to the actuator to move the second flange of the closure element from the delivery configuration toward the deployed configuration; and applying a third force to the actuator to couple the first flange to the second flange.
 2. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising engaging the first flange of the closure element with a distal surface of tissue adjacent the opening when the first flange of the closure element is in the deployed configuration and prior to moving the second flange from the delivery a configuration toward the deployed configuration.
 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising deploying a hemostatic material on or adjacent to the opening in the tissue.
 4. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising disengaging the delivery tube and actuator from the closure element and removing the delivery tube and actuator from the opening in the tissue.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein applying the third force to the actuator to couple the distal portion to the proximal portion includes pressing the second coupler element of the second flange over the first coupler element of the distal element.
 6. A method of closing an opening in tissue, comprising: inserting a closure device at least partially through an opening formed in tissue, the closure device including a delivery tube, an actuator, and a closure element, the closure element defined by a body having a proximal portion having a first flange, a distal portion having a second flange, and a waist, the closure element further comprising a first coupler element disposed on the first flange extending in a first direction and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange extending in a second direction, the first direction and the second directions being parallel but opposite, the first flange extending in the second direction in its delivery configuration and the second flange extending in the first direction in its delivery configuration, the first coupler element and the second coupler element configured to couple the first flange to the second flange, the first coupler element and the second coupler element being uncoupled in the delivery configuration, wherein the first coupler element further includes friction elements that resist relative movement between the first coupler element and the second coupler element, wherein the first and second flanges are positioned simultaneously in the delivery tube in the delivery configuration, and wherein the delivery cross-sectional dimension of the first flange is smaller than the deployed cross-sectional dimension of the first flange, the delivery cross-sectional dimension of the second flange is smaller than the deployed cross-sectional dimension of the second flange, and the delivery cross-sectional dimension of the second flange is smaller than the deployed cross-sectional dimension of the second flange; applying a force to the actuator to move the first flange of the closure element from the delivery configuration toward a deployed configuration by pushing the first flange out of the delivery tube and into the opening formed in the tissue, while maintaining the second flange of the closure device in the delivery configuration; applying a second force to the actuator to move the second flange of the closure element from the delivery configuration toward the deployed configuration; and applying a third force to the actuator to couple the first flange to the second flange.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein applying the third force to the actuator to couple the first flange to the second flange includes pressing a waist portion of one of the first flange or the second flange into a waist portion of the opposite portion.
 8. The method recited in claim 6, further comprising engaging the first flange of the closure element with a distal surface of tissue adjacent the opening when the first flange of the closure element is in the deployed configuration and prior to moving the second flange from the delivery configuration toward the deployed configuration.
 9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising deploying a hemostatic material on or adjacent to the opening in the tissue.
 10. The method recited in claim 6, further comprising disengaging the delivery tube and actuator from the closure element and removing the delivery tube and actuator from the opening in the tissue.
 11. A method of closing an opening in tissue, comprising: inserting a closure device at least partially through an opening formed in tissue, the closure device including a delivery tube, an actuator, and a closure element, the closure element defined by a body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a waist, the closure element comprising: the distal portion being configured to move between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, the distal portion having a delivery cross-sectional dimension in the delivery configuration and a deployed cross-sectional dimension in the deployed configuration; the proximal portion being configured to move between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, the proximal portion having a delivery cross-sectional dimension in the delivery configuration and a deployed cross-sectional dimension in the deployed configuration; a first coupler element disposed on the distal portion extending in a first direction; and a second coupler element disposed on the proximal portion extending in a second direction, the first direction and the second directions being parallel but opposite, the distal portion extending in the second direction in its delivery configuration and the proximal portion extending in the first direction in its delivery configuration, the first coupler element and the second coupler element configured to couple the distal portion to the proximal portion, the first coupler element and the second coupler element being uncoupled in the delivery configuration, wherein the first coupler element further includes friction elements that resist relative movement between the first coupler element and the second coupler element, wherein the delivery cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion is smaller than the deployed cross-sectional dimension of the distal portion, and the delivery cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion is smaller than the deployed cross-sectional dimension of the proximal portion, applying a force to the actuator to move the distal portion of the closure element from a pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration by pushing the distal portion out of the delivery tube and into the opening formed in the tissue, while maintaining the proximal portion of the closure device in a pre-deployed configuration, wherein in the deployed configuration, a flange of the distal portion protrudes outward from the body; applying a second force to the actuator to move the proximal portion of the closure element from the pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration by pushing the proximal portion out of the delivery tube and into the opening formed in the tissue, wherein in the deployed configuration, a flange of the proximal portion protrudes outward from the body.
 12. The method recited in claim 11, further comprising engaging the distal portion of closure element with a distal surface of tissue adjacent the opening when the distal portion of the closure element is in the second configuration and prior to moving the proximal portion from a first configuration toward a second configuration.
 13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising deploying a hemostatic material on or adjacent to the opening in the tissue.
 14. The method recited in claim 11, further comprising disengaging the delivery tube and actuator from the closure element and removing the delivery tube and actuator from the opening in the tissue. 